Louisiana Fishing License: Everything You Need to Know

Louisiana, known as the “Sportsman’s Paradise,” is a haven for fishing enthusiasts. With its coastal alignment on the Gulf of Mexico, natural border with the Mississippi River, and an abundance of lakes and lush swamps, it offers a rich and seemingly limitless array of waterways for recreational fishing. However, before you cast your line into these bountiful waters, it’s essential to understand the requirements and regulations surrounding the Louisiana fishing license. This article provides a comprehensive guide to everything you need to know about obtaining and using a fishing license in Louisiana.

Louisiana Fishing License Requirements

In Louisiana, anyone over the age of 18 must possess a valid Basic Fishing License to fish for recreational purposes. This license is required to possess fish in Louisiana waters or to use specific gears in pursuit of fish, such as a bow and arrow, a barbed or barbless spear, frog gig/catcher, scuba gear, hook and line, and a cast net with a radius not exceeding 8 feet, 6 inches.

However, there are exceptions to this rule. Children under the age of 18, and Louisiana residents born before June 1, 1940, do not need a fishing license. Active-duty members of the United States armed forces, including the National Guard, and their dependents can obtain a fishing license at the Louisiana resident rate.

To qualify for the discounted Louisiana residents rates, applicants must provide a Louisiana driver’s license that’s been valid for a minimum of six months or a Louisiana ID card issued by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.

It’s important to note that fishing regulations in Louisiana are designed to ensure the sustainability of fish populations and protect the state’s diverse aquatic habitats. These regulations cover aspects such as bag limits, size limits, gear restrictions, and fishing seasons. It’s crucial to stay up-to-date with these regulations, as they can change annually.

How to Apply for a Louisiana Fishing License

You can purchase a Louisiana fishing license through several methods:

1. Online through the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries.
2. At the Louisiana Department of Wildlife and Fisheries Headquarters in Baton Rouge.
3. At various retailers throughout Louisiana.

To qualify for the discounted Louisiana residents rates, applicants must provide a Louisiana driver’s license that’s been valid for a minimum of six months or a Louisiana ID card issued by the Louisiana Department of Public Safety.

It’s essential to stay up-to-date with fishing regulations in Louisiana, as they can change annually. Make sure to check the current set of fishing regulations and be aware of the minimum size limits, bag limits, and gear restrictions before heading out on your fishing adventure.

Fishing Regulations

Understanding fishing regulations is crucial for both the sustainability of fish populations and the enjoyment of the sport. These regulations often include Slot limits, Size limits, Bag limits, and Gear restrictions.

Slot Limits

Slot limits

are protective size limits denoting that fish within a certain range, inclusive of stated measurements, must be returned to the water immediately. This regulation is designed to protect fish of certain sizes, particularly those in the range of reproductive maturity.

Size Limits

Size limits

are set to protect juvenile fish and ensure they reach reproductive maturity and contribute to the population before they can be legally caught and kept. For instance, in Louisiana, the size limit for Cobia is 36” minimum fork length, and for Black Drum, it is 16” minimum total length to 27” maximum total length.

Bag Limits

Bag limits

refer to the maximum number of a specific species that an angler can keep in a day. For example, the daily bag limit for Spotted Seatrout in Louisiana is 25 fish per person. Bag limits are designed to prevent overfishing and ensure the sustainability of fish populations.

Gear Restrictions

Gear restrictions

are rules about the types of fishing equipment that can be used. In Louisiana, for instance, using dip nets, landing nets, minnow traps, crab nets, or crab lines all require a minimum of a Hook and Line License. These restrictions are in place to prevent harmful fishing practices and protect certain species or habitats.

It’s important to note that these regulations can vary by location and species. For example, in Louisiana, the possession limit for red drum and spotted seatrout taken south of U.S. Hwy 90 is three times the daily take limit when the fisherman holds and is in possession of a valid recreational fishing license.

Moreover, all fishing activities in Louisiana require some sort of license, with only a few exceptions. All recreational licenses, including gear licenses, expire June 30 each year. Fishermen must possess a valid original license and produce it at the request of an enforcement officer.

Fishing Seasons

Louisiana, also known as the Pelican State, is a paradise for anglers. With its year-round fishing season, it offers non-stop angling action, thanks to its proximity to the Gulf of Mexico. However, if you’re aiming for a trophy catch, it’s crucial to understand the fishing seasons in Louisiana. This guide will provide you with a detailed overview of the fishing seasons in Louisiana, focusing on the most popular fish species and their availability throughout the year.

Freshwater Fishing in Louisiana

Louisiana is home to mighty fisheries such as the Mississippi River, the Red River, the Atchafalaya River and Basin, Caddo Lake, and Toledo Bend Reservoir. These waters are teeming with world-renowned freshwater stars like Bass, Catfish, Crappie, and Gar.

The best time to fish for Largemouth Bass is from April to September, with the fish being most active during morning and evening hours. For Catfish, spring is the prime time, with the spawning season heating up.

Saltwater Fishing in Louisiana

When it comes to saltwater fishing, Louisiana’s Gulf Coast offers a wide variety of species throughout the year. From January through March, the coastal waters are filled with large Wahoo and Yellowfin Tuna. These species tend to be closer to the shoreline at this time of year, as they gravitate to the warmer waters in the shallows.

If you’re looking to catch prize-winning Speckled Trout, consider planning your trip during mid-late spring. This is the species’ spawning season, and it is also historically the time of year when fishermen report the largest Speckled Trout catches.

Summer is a prime time to take a Louisiana charter fishing trip. The longer days of summer also means that this season has the longest window of time for fishing. The warmer air and water temperatures invite dozens of species, which makes the coastline prime real estate for big fish. Yellowfin Tuna, Amberjack, Red Snapper, Cobia, and Mangrove Snapper are just several species that reside in the coastal waters during summer.

Fall is also a great time for fishing in Louisiana. Speckled Trout are still active in the fall, and Redfish are also prevalent in the cooler months of the year. This is also a good time to try your hand at getting a trophy Yellowfin Tuna, as they are notoriously large from October through December.

Understanding the Regulations

It’s important to note that the seasonality and availability of fish species are subject to constant change. For example, Flounder used to be a year-round recreational target. But the Louisiana Wildlife and Fisheries Commission (LWFC) announced in 2022 that there would be an annual closed season for Flounder in fall.

To stay on top of the hot bite, keep an eye on the LWFC’s updates and regularly check out what Louisiana fishing charters are reporting at the moment.

Fees and License Types

When it comes to fishing, understanding the fees and license types is crucial. Whether you’re a resident or a non-resident, different licenses cater to your specific needs. Here, we’ll delve into the details of resident fishing license fees, non-resident fishing license fees, lifetime license fees, and additional fees or permits.

Resident Fishing License Fees

For residents, the Basic Fishing License, which includes all freshwater gear, is priced at $17. This license is required for all fishermen. If you’re planning to fish in saltwater areas, you’ll need the Saltwater Fishing License, which costs $15 and includes all saltwater gear.

Non-Resident Fishing License Fees

For non-residents, the Basic Fishing License is priced at $68, while the Saltwater Fishing License is $60. Non-residents also have the option of a 5-Day License or a 3-Day Charter License for both saltwater and freshwater fishing.

Lifetime License Fees

For those who see fishing as a lifelong passion, the Lifetime License is a great investment. This license includes recreational hunting, fishing, and gear privileges. The fees for the Lifetime License are as follows:

• Resident (including youth 17 and under) – $500
• Resident Lifetime Senior (65 and older) – $100
• Non-Resident Lifetime – $4,000

Additional Fees or Permits

In addition to the basic and saltwater licenses, there are other licenses and permits available. For instance, the Charter 3-Day Saltwater License is priced at $20, and the Charter 3-Day Freshwater License is $10.

It’s important to note that persons 17 and under are not required to purchase a fishing license. However, youths who are actively harvesting deer or turkey, participating in a lottery hunt, or trapping are required to have the Youth Hunting License, which costs $5.

In conclusion, fishing in Louisiana offers a unique and rewarding experience. However, it’s essential to understand and comply with the state’s fishing license requirements and regulations to ensure a sustainable and enjoyable fishing adventure.